Weeroona Aged Care Centre's Intergenerational Program

"We were wanting to include at Weeroona, intergenerational activities for the residents,” says Major Belinda, the Chaplain at Weeroona Aged Care Centre, and a key initiator of the intergenerational program at the residential aged care centre in Bass Hill, New South Wales.

“I attended the monthly Area Leadership Team meeting which consists of faith and The Salvation Army ‘All Expressions’ leaders, and I met The Salvation Army Schools Engagement Coordinator, and flagged with her the idea of wanting to undertake intergenerational engagement.”

From here, a meeting with The Salvation Army Schools Engagement Coordinator and Weeroona's Centre Manager was arranged and, as a result, the Centre now holds a successful bi-weekly intergenerational program with a local Christian school. The program involves high school students attending the Centre with their head teacher, praying with residents, involvement in Lifestyle activities, and a morning tea.

From here, a meeting with The Salvation Army Schools Engagement Coordinator and Weeroona's Centre Manager was arranged and, as a result, the Centre now holds a successful bi-weekly intergenerational program with a local Christian school. The program involves high school students attending the Centre with their head teacher, praying with residents, involvement in Lifestyle activities, and a morning tea.

The benefit for all parties involved is simply heartwarming, as Major Belinda tells, noting some of the elements of the program include: “the way in which the program is bringing meaning, purpose, and connectedness to a resident’s life. The program is important for students in allowing them to engage with the residents and the precious gift of giving time to older generations."

Indeed, for resident Clarence, he notes the joy the intergenerational program has brought to his life. “I love the music and the dancing,” he says of the activities involved in the program. “I like the students because they are talented and friendly. I feel very happy when the students perform. They make me smile! I’m so happy the students have been invited to the Centre."

Likewise, Dorothy, sister of resident, Lee notes: “the students are very good for the residents.” She also notes that being a part of the program for residents and students alike has been helpful in teaching all parties involved the life skills of appreciation and acceptance. A highlight for Dorothy of the program, however, is the involvement of Weeroona’s resident cat. “The students even include the Centre’s cat in their performances – he joins in,” she exclaims.

Resident John sings the praises of the students, noting: “the performances are nice and pleasant, and I sense the students enjoy themselves too,” he says. John agrees that the program has provided a platform to also impart wisdom to the next generation. “I feel that listening to them when they chat with us helps them in being friendly. Age doesn’t matter – talk to everyone!"

Similarly, for resident Alice, she cannot speak highly enough of the program. “We think the students are lovely; they even ask us for song requests,” she states. “I love their singing and dancing and how they share their lives with us.” When it comes to the wisdom that she feels she has been able to impart on students as part of the program, she shares: “always be willing to share of yourself with others - no matter the age."

From the program’s initial inception to now, it is evident that it is making a tangible impact, with Major Belinda highlighting: “we learn that we all have something to offer one another."

Find out more about Weeroona Aged Care Centre